Section III: Instructional environment, equipment, and materials
Instructional Environments This course would be the most effective if it was offered as a self-paced learning environment. “Much evidence supports the belief that optimum learning takes place when a student works at his or her own pace, is actively involved in performing specific learning tasks, and experiences success in learning, “ (Morrison, Ross, Kalman, & Kemp, 2011). In this environment students would learn the Edmodo program by first putting themselves in the role of a student and working through tasks in a classroom environment the way their students would work in their classroom. This set up offers the learner a chance to perform “learning activities are carefully designed to address specific objectives,” (Morrison et. al., 2011). The learner’s mastery is checked before they move on and feedback is immediate for the learners in this training program since the tasks are designed to cause the learner to accomplish a goal through program interaction, (Morrison et. al., 2011). Although, the learner is working at their own pace the instructor is still available if the learner needs assistance. All of these qualities of the program are important features for a self-paced learning environment.
Although, this training is meant to occur as self-paced learning it can also be accomplished in a traditional group presentation. This type of environment occurs the learners will have to rely on notes and the instructional booklet for their instruction. Even though this is not the intended environment, the training could still be conducted effectively. The instructor would have to be prepared to be “interesting, enthusiastic, and challenging” so that will keep the learner engaged, (Morrison et. al., 2011). The instructor will also have to gauge learning of the entire group themselves and make adjustments that are appropriate for both the individuals and the whole group.
Equipment and Materials
Considerations for the delivery environment
oComputer Lab. This training would be more easily held in a lab space where computers were already provided for the participants. This would ensure there were adequate power supplies and spacing for all participants. It would also allow for an optimum amount of participants because a maximum number could be established based on the available computer spaces. In this type of environment, there is generally a technical support office available that should be able to ensure the training program is running properly before the training begins.
oTables. The delivery environment could also be a room where there is adequate table space for the participants to use their own technology. However, this could pose a problem because personal laptops and devices may not be compatible with the training program, and individuals may not be familiar enough with their technology to be able to troubleshoot problems that may arise.
Equipment and materials
oComputers. Computers or equipment should be tested before the training to ensure the training program is compatible with the software being used, and that participants will be able to have an optimum experience.
oProjector. If instruction is happening in group presentation setting, a projector will need to be provided so that all participants will be able to see the presentation comfortably.
oSound Delivery. Participants should either be required to bring or provided with headphones or another type of personal sound delivery method since the program is self-paced.
Handouts and media support
oTechnical support. Media support will be important. Participants may need help troubleshooting their own devices, or the instructor may need help with the provided devices for the training. Technical support would also be important if problems arose during the training.
oInstructional Booklet. The handout would be easily fabricated using a copier or could be outsourced through another printing agency. It should be colorful, detailed, and provide the learner with enough information to be successful after the training.
Resources
Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2011). Designing effective instruction (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Instructional Environments
This course would be the most effective if it was offered as a self-paced learning environment. “Much evidence supports the belief that optimum learning takes place when a student works at his or her own pace, is actively involved in performing specific learning tasks, and experiences success in learning, “ (Morrison, Ross, Kalman, & Kemp, 2011). In this environment students would learn the Edmodo program by first putting themselves in the role of a student and working through tasks in a classroom environment the way their students would work in their classroom. This set up offers the learner a chance to perform “learning activities are carefully designed to address specific objectives,” (Morrison et. al., 2011). The learner’s mastery is checked before they move on and feedback is immediate for the learners in this training program since the tasks are designed to cause the learner to accomplish a goal through program interaction, (Morrison et. al., 2011). Although, the learner is working at their own pace the instructor is still available if the learner needs assistance. All of these qualities of the program are important features for a self-paced learning environment.
Although, this training is meant to occur as self-paced learning it can also be accomplished in a traditional group presentation. This type of environment occurs the learners will have to rely on notes and the instructional booklet for their instruction. Even though this is not the intended environment, the training could still be conducted effectively. The instructor would have to be prepared to be “interesting, enthusiastic, and challenging” so that will keep the learner engaged, (Morrison et. al., 2011). The instructor will also have to gauge learning of the entire group themselves and make adjustments that are appropriate for both the individuals and the whole group.
Equipment and Materials
Considerations for the delivery environment
- o Computer Lab. This training would be more easily held in a lab space where computers were already provided for the participants. This would ensure there were adequate power supplies and spacing for all participants. It would also allow for an optimum amount of participants because a maximum number could be established based on the available computer spaces. In this type of environment, there is generally a technical support office available that should be able to ensure the training program is running properly before the training begins.
- o Tables. The delivery environment could also be a room where there is adequate table space for the participants to use their own technology. However, this could pose a problem because personal laptops and devices may not be compatible with the training program, and individuals may not be familiar enough with their technology to be able to troubleshoot problems that may arise.
Equipment and materials- o Computers. Computers or equipment should be tested before the training to ensure the training program is compatible with the software being used, and that participants will be able to have an optimum experience.
- o Projector. If instruction is happening in group presentation setting, a projector will need to be provided so that all participants will be able to see the presentation comfortably.
- o Sound Delivery. Participants should either be required to bring or provided with headphones or another type of personal sound delivery method since the program is self-paced.
Handouts and media supportResources
Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2011). Designing effective instruction (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc